Consultation to use the Harrogate Stray for the UCI Championships

The government has begun a consultation into the use of parts of the Stray in Harrogate, so the town can host the UCI Road World Championships next September.

The time is interesting as it comes after the commitment has been made for the town to host the event.

Earlier this year, the council applied for elements of the Stray Act to be temporarily suspended for 26 days to accommodate the cycling event. The Stray Act can be suspended for a maximum of 35 days in a year, this event, along with the Christmas Market, would leave 1 day left of that quota.

At the time it was made it clear this would be the last time the council would ask for temporary change to the Stray Act and that there are no plans for permanent change.

Like the Tour de France and the Tour de Yorkshire, there will be a requirement to use sections of the Stray for the race events at the iconic finish line on West Park.

Facilities for visitors and spectators will be required, including catering, a VIP lounge, a fan park, large screens and viewing areas together with a medal presentation stage.

It is anticipated the area of the West Park Stray, bordering the A61, will be used in a similar way as to the Tour de France.

There may also be a small area for technical and media vehicle parking on the corner of Oatlands Drive and Knaresborough Road where the annual fun fairs are usually situated.

As part of the legal and parliamentary process, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is now consulting on the application.